Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler (pictured) has imposed a $300,000 fine on Unite Health Share Ministries and prohibited it from selling insurance in the state.
This action followed an investigation initiated by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner after a complaint revealed that Unite Health Share Ministries had paid only $5,000 on a consumer's medical claim, leaving the consumer with nearly $200,000 in medical expenses.
According to Kreidler’s camp, Unite Health markets itself as a healthcare sharing ministry but does not meet the legal definition under state law. Its program materials indicate it denies enrollment to consumers with certain pre-existing conditions, violating the Affordable Care Act.
Acting as an unauthorized insurer, Unite Health enrolled more than 320 Washington residents in its membership program, collecting membership fees. From 2019 to 2023, it amassed $2,919,125.19 in membership fees from Washington residents while accumulating $74,999 in unpaid premium taxes.
In the order seen by Insurance Business, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner said: “By transacting insurance in this state without a Certificate of Authority, the Respondent violated RCW 48.05.030(1) and RCW 48.15.020(1), justifying the issuance of a cease and desist order under RCW 48.02.080(3)(a) and RCW 48.15.023(5)(a).
“The Respondent also violated RCW 48.43.012(2) and RCW 48.43.073(1)(a) by selling and administering a sharing program that limits coverage for pre-existing conditions and excludes state-mandated abortion services, respectively.”
In a release, Kreidler stated: “Protecting the people of Washington from predatory organizations is one of my office’s top priorities. These companies promise coverage and leave consumers with massive medical bills. It’s an unacceptable practice, and we have rules in place to prevent it.”
Unite Health has until September 26 to request a hearing. If no hearing is requested, the abovementioned fine will be due within 30 days from June 28.
In May and June, Kreidler’s office issued $213,500 in fines, including $30,000 against GadgetGuard, which was also ordered to stop conducting insurance business in Washington.
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